The first unofficial results of the presidential elections in Egypt show that the election of putschist Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, who came to power with a coup, will win as the elections are expected. The pro-government media reported that Sisi's participation in elections without a serious rival was about 40 percent, but Reuters news agency reported that it was based on two sources that observed the election, with a participation rate of under 40 percent.
The voting which started Monday morning in the country lasted for 3 days and the polls were closed on Thursday night. The Egyptian authorities have tried to increase the participation rate in order to legitimize the elections.
District governors and other officials offered incentives, monetary rewards to attract the people to the polls, and even in some cases, they resorted to threats. The National Election Administration threatened those who boycott the elections with a $ 30 fine. The local media, which pro-Sisi columnists dominate, also called the people to vote. A number of possible candidates were arrested before the elections or were retired racing because of the pressures.
Official results are expected to be announced on April 2.
ILKHA